CHAPTER THREE
1015 Words
CHAPTER THREE
The delightful aroma of exquisite dishes filled the air as the sumptuous feet were laid out on the long, polished table.
The dinner began and Asannah and Cedric eagerly dug into the feast, however, Thorian remained seated with his stoic expression. He refused to partake of the meal, and his silence and intense gaze cast a tension over the dining table.
Asannah tried to gauge his demeanor, wondering why he seemed indifferent and didn't want to eat. She was never one to hold back her inquisitiveness nor emotions; her curiosity got the best of her and she had to ask.
She chuckled nervously and spoke up, a bid to break the uneasy silence, "Your Grace, aren't you going to eat?" She asked with a slight flirtatious tone.
Thorian's silver eyes flickered towards her briefly, his expression still remaining impassive. His voice was curt as he replied, "I am not hungry."
His words caused Asannah to feel a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. Noted – Thorian was not one to entertain small talk; his icy demeanour was a dead give away that he was a man of few words and fewer smiles.
Undeterred, she shook her ill–feelings away and tried to engage him further, desperate to break through his volr exterior.
"Are you sure, Your Majesty? The food is exquisite—I made sure of it myself. You should try some." Asannah insisted, a tad bit of her frustration slipping into her voice.
His steely gaze met hers again, and got a moment, she felt a shiver run down her spine.
She was used to being the center of attention and having others captivated by what she called an 'impeccable charm', but Thorian was quite a character she couldn't decipher.
It both intrigued and unsettled her.
A silence settled at the dining table and it was almost deafening, broken only by the soft clinking of cutlery against the plates. And the awkwardness settled over Asannah and Cedric like a heavy fog.
Thorian's intense gaze continued to be fixed on them, his frown showing his uninterest and annoyance.
Cedric looked up at him multiple times during the course of the meal, and all he met were those stone–cold eyes that spoke nothingness.
Feeling the need to fill the uncomfortable void that surrounded the table, he mustered up the courage to initiate some small talk.
He cleared his throat and spoke up, "Your Majesty, how are the affairs of your pack faring?"
Thorian's response was swift and to the point, "Listen, I don't have the time for small talk of any sort," he said curtly and then glanced at his watch and his face contorted in impatience.
Asannah looked up from her plate, her brows arched – this was the first time she had heard him say anything more than five cold words.
"I am here on a specific mission, I have no time for small talk nor a meal. My father arranged this meeting with you to deliver a wife to me."
Cedric exchanged a quick, uneasy glance with his sister, unsure of how to proceed. This man's attitude was like none they'd ever seen before.
Thorian's eyes narrowed as he looked at Cedric, "Is my wife here?" He asked, the impatience vivid in his voice.
Cedric glanced at Asannah, who was now wearing a confident smile. He looked away from her, facing Thorian, and then he took a deep breath and continued.
"Your wife is right here, Asannah my sister."
Thorian's gaze shifted to Asannah, his eyes scrutinizing her from head to toe and his frown deepened.
It was clearly obvious that he wasn't satisfied with what he saw, and Asannah realized that immediately.
Asannah's smile faltered slightly under the weight of his critical gaze, but she quickly regained her composure, refusing to show any sign of being intimidated.
She had to marry this man. She had to be his queen.
"Your Majesty, I assure you, I would make an excellent wife," She said confidently.
He remained silent for a moment as he dwelled on Asannah's words. He eyed her from top to bottom again, his expression remaining stoic, giving none of these thoughts away.
Cedric interjected, "Your Majesty, we can certainly begin the discussion regarding the wedding and the mating ceremony if you—"
"This isn't the woman my father had shown me." His piercing silver eyes locked into Cedric as he stated firmly.
A cold shiver immediately ran down Asannah's spine whilst Cedric's shock was evident on his face, his brows furrowed as he tried to comprehend Thorian's words.
Asannah's smile vanished, her face contorted in disbelief. She stammered, trying to sought her voice as she asked, "W–what do you mean, My Lord?"
He let out a tired sigh, his eyes never leaving Cedric's astonished face. He reached into his pockets and pulled out a folder photograph, he unraveled it and held it out for both of them to see.
Both Cedric and Asannah gazed upon the image, and their eyes widened in recognition and bewilderment.
It was a familiar woman, blonde, her blue eyes gentle and kind.
"This is the photograph my father gave to me." Thorian explained, his building frustration evident in his tone. "This is the woman he expects me to choose as my wife."
"What?" Asannah shouted in horror.
Cedric's mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation.."B–but Your Grace, are you sure there isn't a mistake somewhere? This woman isn't Asannah."
Thorian's expression hardened as he now looked at the dumbfounded Asannah. "Clearly," he said coldly. "Please, get me the woman in this picture, now."
Cedric's face paled as he tried to digest what was happening before his very eyes.
Asannah's face squeezed into an angered scrunch as her fists clenched at her sides. His words and that stupid photograph had cut through her like a blade, shattering all her dreams in a matter of seconds.
How on earth was she supposed to tell Asmeria that the Lycan King was here to marry HER and not she?
- Writer
